Halloween is getting closer, which means it is time for some Halloween themed book recommendations! Whether you are a true horror fan, or you want some lighthearted Halloween vibes that won’t give you nightmares, we have got you covered with this breakdown of some of our favorite books to get you in the Halloween spirit.

Classic Horror Novels

Let The Right One In (2004) by John Ajvide Lindqvist

The Only Good Indians (2020) by Stephen Graham Jones

For true horror fans, these are some truly scary novels that are sure to keep you up at night. Explore tales of classic horror creatures, with vampires in Let the Right One In and vengeful ghosts in The Only Good Indians.

Sci-Fi Horror

Annihilation by Jeff Vandermeer (2014)

Under the Skin by Michael Faber (2000)

Blending horror and science fiction, these novels explore unsettling new worlds beyond your wildest imagination. Follow mysterious, extraterrestrial forces and explore the ways in which they wreak havoc on the world as we know it.

Young Adult Horror

Wilder Girls by Rory Powers (2019)

The Forest of Stolen Girls by June Hur (2021)

For those who want to enjoy a good horror novel but can’t handle maximum spookiness, these young adult picks could be exactly what you need to get into the Halloween spirit!

Wilder Girls is supernatural while The Forest of Stolen Girls is more centered in realism, but both novels explore themes of death and murder, and both contain mysteries full of twists and turns that will keep you turning pages.

Graphic Novels

Uzumaki by Junji Ito (1999)

Sensor by Junji Ito (2021)

One of my all time favorite authors, Junji Ito is an absolute master of horror writing and illustration. These graphic novels tell surreal stories partnered with disturbing images, beyond even some of the most terrifying horror films. Uzumaki is a staple of the horror genre, but Ito fans will also be excited to hear that the horror artists released a new book, Sensor, just earlier this year. For those who really want to be frightened by a book this Halloween, consider picking up one of these graphic novels.

Lighthearted Halloween Comics

Snapdragon by Kat Leyh (2020)

Beetle and the Hollowbones by Aliza Layne (2020)

Sometimes you want those good Halloween vibes, but you’re not actually looking for anything scary at all. We’ve got you covered too! 

These gorgeous graphic novels are short and sweet (and family friendly!) while following witches, ghosts and goblins on various heartwarming adventures. Plus all of these graphic novels, both lighthearted and scary, are perfect for a quick read so you can read any of them in one sitting as part of your Halloween celebration.

Happy Halloween!!

Written by: Darian

Posted by: Maurissa

National Hispanic Heritage Month (Mes Nacional de la Herencia Hispana) is celebrated annually from September 15 to October 15 in the United States by recognizing and celebrating the contributions and influence of Hispanic and Latino Americans to the history, culture, and achievements of the United States. National Hispanic Heritage Month started in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon B. Johnson and was expanded to its current 30-day period under President Ronald Reagan. September 15 is significant because it also marks the anniversary of independence for Latin American countries Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on September 16 and September 18.

Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month at the Library!

Latinx Resources at UIUC

• Department of Latina/Latino Studies
  The Department of Latina/Latino Studies is in the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences at the University of Illinois.
• Latin American & Caribbean Studies Collection
  The Latin American and Caribbean Studies collection at Illinois has more than 993,000 volumes and close to 300 serials from Latin America in Spanish, Portuguese, French, Quechua and several other indigenous and European languages!
• La Casa Cultural Latina
  The mission of La Casa Cultural Latina is to promote a welcoming and dynamic atmosphere through the development of educational, cultural, socio-political, and social programs that lead to greater recruitment, retention, advancement, and empowerment of Latina/o students. La Casa engages current and future leaders through mentorship, civic engagement, and the promotion of social advocacy.
• Latinx Library Resources
  Use our Latinx Library Resources LibGuide to find articles, books, and more information!

Support Latinx Authors!

Celebrate Latinx Heritage Month by supporting Latinx writers! Take a look at some of these amazing reads available through UIUC libraries!

• Finding Latinx: in search of the voices redefining Latinx identity
  In this travelogue, journalist and activist Paola Ramos embarks on a journey to find the communities of people defining the term, “Latinx.”
• I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter
  After losing her sister, Julia suddenly finds herself with the burden of fulfilling her parent’s expectations. Erica L. Sanchez crafts a beautiful story about loss, finding yourself, dealing with expectations and the experience of growing up in a Mexican American home.
• Fruit of the Drunken Tree
  Inspired by the author’s own life, Fruit of the Drunken Tree explores the lives of women growing up in Bogotá through the eyes of 7 year old Chula,  where the threat of violence captures the attention of the nation.
• My Mexico City Kitchen
  Gabriela Camara, one of the most innovative chefs and culinary trend-setter shares 150 recipes for her delicious and simple contemporary Mexican cooking.
• Juliet Takes a Breath
  Juliet Milagros Palante has just gotten her dream internship in Portland, Oregon with her favorite feminist writer. The night before leaving she decides to come out to her family, but her coming out goes awry and she’s not sure her mom will ever speak to her again.

Written by: Loida
Posted by: Kirsten